Player News

Khris Middleton hit 11-of-16 shots, five 3-pointers and hit 3-of-3 free throws for 30 points, five boards, two assists, two steals and a block in 38 minutes of Monday's 124-117 loss to the Cavaliers.

Middleton has been really good for most of the season and is rolling right now, averaging 25.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.0 3-pointers on 59 percent shooting over his last five. Middleton's returning third-round fantasy value on the season and is a must-start player down the stretch.

Willy Hernangomez scored a season-high 17 points vs. the 76ers on Monday, hitting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-6 from the line with three rebounds, two steals and one block in 20 minutes.

He scored all 17 of his points in the first half before disappearing in the second. Not even a week ago, Hernangomez was blasted by coach Steve Clifford for his lack of shooting and defense, but it looks like the second-year center is finally getting a chance to prove himself while Cody Zeller (knee) is out and coach Clifford finally had some nice things to say about him at the morning shootaround. He played 13 minutes in his previous game with nine points and six rebounds, so deep-league owners should monitor him in case his role continues to grow.

Giannis Antetokounmpo hit 13-of-20 shots and 11-of-11 free throws for 37 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal in 39 minutes of Monday's 124-117 loss to the Cavaliers.

Giannis did his best to fend off LeBron James, but LeBron had a 40-point triple-double and the Cavs got the win. Giannis has scored at least 33 in three straight games and is averaging 31.2 points, 9.8 boards, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 0.8 3-pointers on 53 percent shooting over his last five games. He's aptly nicknamed, no doubt.

Al Jefferson played just seven minutes on Monday, finishing with four points, two blocks and zero rebounds in Monday's win.

Myles Turner is back from his ankle injury, meaning Jefferson can be safely dumped for a hot free agent. Jefferson played well in his previous two games with Turner and Domantas Sabonis hurting (or sitting), but is now an afterthought with Turner back in action and playing well.

Lance Stephenson hit 6-of-13 shots and two 3-pointers for 16 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal in 30 minutes of Monday's win over the Lakers.

Lance has hit double figures in scoring in four straight games and is averaging 20.5 points, 5.0 boards, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 3-pointers in his last two games. He's getting enough minutes for the Pacers that he can be deployed in most fantasy leagues right now.

De'Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson, Zach Randolph and Willie Cauley-Stein are also starting, so Skal Labissiere will come off the bench (expected move with Z-Bo coming off a rest day). Hield has been red hot over his last three games, scoring 22+ points in each with 12 total 3-pointers.

Victor Oladipo hit 8-of-15 shots and a 3-pointer for 20 points, four rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes of Monday's win over the Lakers.

That gives him a 54-game streak of at least one steal per game, and a seven-game streak with at least two steals. He's now swiped at least three steals in four of his last five games and is averaging 18.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.2 3-pointers over his last five, as the Pacers continue to fight for playoff position in the East. They're currently at No. 4, sitting a 1/2 games behind the No. 3 Cavaliers, and a 1/2 game ahead of the No. 5 Wizards.

He scored 10 of his points in garbage time, and the fact that he played just 16 minutes without Nicolas Batum (Achilles) doesn't bode well for his immediate outlook. The Hornets will eventually play him more, but he's not a fantasy asset until that happens. He added four rebounds, three assists and three triples, finishing 4-of-11 from the field.